Chapter XXXV
Huck and Tom prepare tools and supplies for Jim's escape, digging under the cabin.
3 argumentative units
- 01Tom insists on an elaborate, romantically proper escape plan
Tom lays out why Jim's escape must be done according to the rules from adventure books—sawing the bed-leg, swallowing sawdust, rope ladders, case-knives for digging. Huck questions every impractical detail but Tom overrules him, insisting that 'regular' methods are the only honorable ones.
- 02Huck and Tom borrow supplies and debate the ethics of prisoner theft
After breakfast Huck borrows a sheet and shirt from the clothesline for Jim's rope ladder and journal. Tom philosophizes that prisoners have every right to steal what they need—but contradicts himself by making Huck repay the nigger-patch for a watermelon he ate.
- 03Tom refuses picks in favor of case-knives for digging
Tom rejects the perfectly good picks and shovels in the shed, insisting prisoners must dig with case-knives through solid rock for thirty-seven years. When Huck points out the old rusty saw-blade in the shed, Tom dismisses him and sends Huck to smouch three case-knives.